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Governor Bago Dissolves Niger Cabinet, Retains Key Aides

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Governor Bago Dissolves Niger Cabinet, Retains Key Aides

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, on Monday announced the dissolution of his cabinet during a State Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chamber in Minna.

Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the commissioners and officials for their contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavours.

However, he confirmed that some senior aides would remain in office, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, and other principal officers attached to his office.

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years For Terrorism, Tax Fraud

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Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years For Terrorism, Tax Fraud

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism offences and aggravated tax fraud.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, the court held that Ekpa incited terrorism and actively participated in the activities of a terrorist organisation. Judges said he exploited his “significant social media following” to inflame tensions in Nigeria’s South-East between August 2021 and November 2024, Finnish newspaper Yle reported.

The court further concluded that Ekpa, a former local councillor in Lahti, was an influential member of a militant separatist movement pushing for the secession of a Biafran state from Nigeria. He was found to have supplied “weapons, explosives, and ammunition” through his contacts and encouraged his followers on X to commit crimes in Nigeria.

Beyond terrorism-related charges, the court also convicted him of aggravated tax fraud.

Although he denied all allegations, the three-member panel of judges issued a unanimous verdict. The case falls under Finnish jurisdiction because Ekpa committed the offences while residing in Lahti, where he has lived since moving to Finland in 2007 as an athlete.

The judgment is not final and may be appealed to a higher court.

Would you like me to also include the Nigerian government’s reaction to the ruling as reported?

Union Bank Finalises Merger With Titan Trust, Expands Nationwide Footprint

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Union Bank Finalises Merger With Titan Trust, Expands Nationwide Footprint

Union Bank of Nigeria on Monday announced the successful completion of its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, following the final approval granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The consolidation marks the end of a process that began in 2021 with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement and positions Union Bank as a stronger player in Nigeria’s financial services industry.

Under the terms of the transaction, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s assets and operations. The new entity will continue under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust ceases to exist as a separate institution.

With an expanded network of more than 293 service centres and 937 ATMs across the country — complemented by strengthened digital platforms — Union Bank says it is poised to provide greater value to retail, SME, and corporate customers.

“This is a new era of growth, collaboration, and shared prosperity,” said Bayo Adeleke, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “By bringing together the strengths of both institutions, we are committed to creating lasting value for our customers, shareholders, and communities while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.”

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Yetunde Oni described the merger as “a pivotal moment in our 108-year journey, and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our customers. By blending stability with innovation, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians and to be their most trusted financial partner.”

The bank assured customers there will be no disruption to services, with account details remaining unchanged. It pledged a seamless integration of offerings while accelerating its push toward enhanced digital banking solutions.

Xi Hosts Putin, Modi and Global Leaders at SCO Summit, Warns Against ‘Bullying’ in World Order

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Xi Hosts Putin, Modi and Global Leaders at SCO Summit, Warns Against ‘Bullying’ in World Order

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday opened the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, welcoming more than 20 world leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The two-day summit brought together heads of state from the 10 SCO members — China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus — alongside 16 observer and dialogue partner countries.

In his keynote address, Xi criticised what he described as “bullying behaviour” in the global order, urging leaders to “adhere to fairness and justice… oppose Cold War mentality, camp confrontation, and bullying behaviour.”

“The current international situation is becoming chaotic and intertwined,” Xi said, stressing that the bloc faces mounting security and development challenges.

Often viewed as a counterweight to NATO, the SCO has grown into one of the world’s largest regional alliances. Xi called on members to deepen cooperation under the “Shanghai spirit” — a principle of mutual trust, equality, and shared development — to navigate global turbulence.

Putin and Modi were seen engaging with Xi on the sidelines, underscoring the summit’s role in shaping regional diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Over 600 Dead, Thousands Injured as Powerful Earthquake Devastates Eastern Afghanistan

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Over 600 Dead, Thousands Injured as Powerful Earthquake Devastates Eastern Afghanistan

A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing more than 600 people and injuring over 1,500, according to the interior ministry. The tremor, followed by multiple aftershocks, flattened homes and left entire communities in ruins.

The epicentre was located 27 kilometres from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province at a shallow depth of eight kilometres, the US Geological Survey reported. Shallow quakes often cause greater destruction, and this disaster was no exception.

Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani said Kunar province was the worst hit, with 610 deaths and 1,300 injuries, alongside widespread destruction of homes. In neighbouring Nangarhar, at least 12 people were killed and 255 injured.

The quake was felt as far away as Kabul and Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. A series of aftershocks continued into Monday morning, including a shallow 5.2-magnitude tremor that struck around 4:00 am.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with Taliban authorities and the United Nations mobilising emergency assistance. “The UN in Afghanistan is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that struck the eastern region & claimed hundreds of lives,” the UN said on X, confirming that teams were on the ground delivering relief.

The disaster comes as Afghanistan reels from decades of war, economic collapse, and shrinking foreign aid since the Taliban’s return to power, severely hampering its ability to respond to natural calamities.

Nangarhar province was already struggling after flooding over the weekend killed five people and destroyed farmland.

Afghanistan sits at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates and is highly prone to earthquakes. In June 2022, a 5.9-magnitude quake killed more than 1,000 people in Paktika province. In 2015, a 7.5-magnitude tremor across Afghanistan and Pakistan killed over 380, most of them in Pakistan.

APC Wins 20 LGAs in Rivers Council Polls, PDP Retains Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor

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APC Wins 20 LGAs in Rivers Council Polls, PDP Retains Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a landslide victory in the Rivers State local government elections, winning 20 out of 23 council areas in Saturday’s polls.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has dominated the state since 1999, managed to retain control of Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGAs.

Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr. Michael Odey, announced the results on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

APC’s victory marks its first significant dominance in the state’s grassroots politics since the return of democracy. The party also clinched the majority of councillorship seats across the 23 LGAs.

While rural communities recorded higher voter participation, several urban centres experienced low turnout. RSIEC’s results showed that some re-elected chairmen had previously served under former Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration.

No other political party featured in the chairmanship or councillorship contests.

The elections were largely peaceful, with the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), commending residents for their orderly conduct at polling units.

FG Warns GenCos of Grid Disconnection Over Failure to Implement Frequency Control

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FG Warns GenCos of Grid Disconnection Over Failure to Implement Frequency Control

The Federal Government has threatened to disconnect power-generating companies (GenCos) from the national grid if they fail to comply with new operational directives designed to stabilise electricity supply.

In a regulatory order signed on August 26, 2025, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) mandated all GenCos to integrate and activate Free Governor Control (FGC) — a turbine governor system that automatically adjusts output in response to frequency fluctuations — across all generating units by November 30, 2025.

NERC Vice-Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing & Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, said the measure is aimed at enforcing strict compliance with the Grid Code and curbing repeated system disturbances. The regulator noted that Nigeria recorded eight grid disturbances in 2024, including five full system collapses, largely due to non-compliance by some GenCos.

Under the new directive, any GenCo that fails to comply will face a penalty of 10 percent of the invoice linked to the defaulting unit. Units that remain non-compliant for 90 consecutive days will be disconnected from the grid until certified by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) as fully compliant.

“All grid-connected GenCos shall install fast-acting FGC in every generating unit and ensure it remains operable at all times by November 30, 2025,” the order stated. It also requires the installation of Grade Level 5 IoT-enabled meters capable of real-time monitoring of power output, voltage, frequency, and other parameters, with installation readiness to be communicated to NISO by October 31, 2025.

NISO will be responsible for integrating the meters, monitoring compliance in real time, and filing monthly reports to NERC.

NERC stressed that these measures are backed by Sections 34(1)(e) and 34(2)(b) of the Electricity Act 2023, which empower it to enforce safety, security, reliability, and quality of electricity delivery nationwide.

The commission added that the order is designed to “minimise the risk of system disturbances, strengthen grid operations, and ensure reliable electricity supply for Nigerians.”

Thai Court Ousts Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Over Cambodia Border Dispute

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Thai Court Ousts Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Over Cambodia Border Dispute

Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, plunging the kingdom into renewed political turmoil.

The 39-year-old leader, daughter of billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, was suspended from office last month following allegations that she compromised national interests during a June phone call with Cambodia’s ex-leader Hun Sen, which was later leaked online.

In a six-to-three ruling, the court found that she had failed to uphold the ethical standards required of her office. “Her actions have led to a loss of trust, prioritising personal interest over national interest, which fuelled public suspicion that she was siding with Cambodia and diminished confidence in her as PM among Thai citizens,” the court declared.

The ruling also dissolved her cabinet, effectively ending her premiership just over a year after the same court removed her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, in a separate ethics case.

The controversy stemmed from her cordial exchange with Hun Sen, during which she referred to him as “uncle” and described a Thai military commander as her “opponent.” The remarks provoked outrage in Thailand’s military and political establishment, with conservative lawmakers accusing her of undermining the armed forces. Her main coalition partner later withdrew support, nearly collapsing her government.

Paetongtarn defended her actions, insisting she had acted in the country’s best interest. “My intentions were for the benefit of the country not for personal gain, but for the lives of the people, including civilians and soldiers,” she told reporters after the ruling.

The dismissal leaves Thailand facing a power vacuum, with no clear successor in sight. Under constitutional rules, only candidates nominated during the 2023 general election are eligible to become prime minister, but several are either disqualified, lack party backing, or face legal obstacles.

The ruling intensifies Thailand’s decades-long struggle between the pro-military establishment and the Shinawatra political dynasty. Paetongtarn becomes the sixth prime minister linked to her family’s movement to be removed by the Constitutional Court.

Tensions with Cambodia have already escalated into deadly clashes along the border, leaving more than 40 dead and displacing 300,000 people in recent months. With no immediate resolution in sight, Thailand enters another period of deep political uncertainty.

NLC Presses For ₦150,000 Minimum Wage For Lagos Workers Amid Rising Costs

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NLC Presses For ₦150,000 Minimum Wage For Lagos Workers Amid Rising Costs

The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a new minimum wage of ₦150,000 for workers in the state, citing the rising cost of living and recent wage adjustments in Imo and Ebonyi States.

Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sesi, made the call on Thursday, stressing that the current minimum wage of ₦85,000 no longer reflects the realities of life in the state, where accommodation, transportation, feeding, and utility costs are significantly higher than in many other parts of the country.

“The time has come for an upward review of minimum wage in Lagos. At least someone has taken the bull by the horns and opened the space. No one can blame Governor Sanwo-Olu now if he implements a higher wage for Lagos workers, because we deserve a better wage and decent working conditions commensurate with the economic realities, especially in Lagos,” Sesi said.

She expressed confidence that more states would follow the steps of Imo and Ebonyi, which recently raised their wage structures.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State announced an increase in the minimum wage for state civil servants from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000, while the Ebonyi State Government raised its minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦90,000, according to Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe.

NNPC Under Attack But Will Not Yield To Short-Term Pressure, Says GCEO Ojulari

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NNPC Under Attack But Will Not Yield To Short-Term Pressure, Says GCEO Ojulari

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, says the company is facing resistance from forces opposed to its ongoing reforms but will not succumb to short-term pressure.

Ojulari made this known on Thursday while receiving the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough,” Ojulari stated in a message posted on NNPC’s Facebook page.

He explained that in his five months as GCEO, his administration has focused on reviving Nigeria’s refineries under the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model to ensure sustainable operations. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not pressured him to take shortcuts but has mandated him to deliver lasting reforms.

“Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are looking at the baseline to ensure whatever we are doing, the refineries work sustainably going forward,” Ojulari said.

Ojulari assured the union leaders that NNPC would remain resilient despite the challenges, while urging patience as the reforms unfold.

PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, commended Ojulari’s leadership, noting improvements in crude oil production and reductions in oil theft.

“Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production. As PENGASSAN, we assure you that we are solidly behind you. We will work with you and collaborate with your team to ensure the stability of the system for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Osifo said.

Polytechnic Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike, Issue FG 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Arrears

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Polytechnic Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike, Issue FG 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Arrears

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has given the Federal Government 21 days to resolve long-standing issues affecting its members or face a nationwide industrial action.

The ultimatum, which took effect on August 27, was issued in a communique at the end of SSANIP’s 77th General Executive Council meeting held at the Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Kano State.

The union demanded the immediate release of the long-awaited new Scheme of Service, constitution of the Renegotiation Committee for the 2010 Agreement, payment of outstanding arrears — including promotion arrears, 25/35% salary review arrears, wage awards, and full implementation of the new minimum wage — as well as the release of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Needs Assessment Funds.

The statement, jointly signed by SSANIP President, Philip Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Shehu Gaya, accused the Federal Government of insincerity, saying it had repeatedly failed to honour past agreements.

“After exhausting its patience on the above items, the council observed with great displeasure the insincerity of the government in keeping to previous agreements or prioritising the education sector,” the communique read.

The workers warned that unless their demands are met within the stipulated period, they would have no choice but to withdraw their services across polytechnics nationwide.

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